However, author M. Molly Backes recently took to Twitter to share her thoughts on the "sneaky symptom" of depression that the commercials about anti-depressants rarely mention: "The Impossible Task." While the term wasn't coined by psychiatrists, as Backes was sure to highlight, the concept focuses on how difficult it can be for those suffering from depression to complete even the most rote, everyday tasks.

Depression commercials always talk about sadness but they never mention that sneaky symptom that everyone with depression knows all too well: the Impossible Task. pic.twitter.com/lPix73WO2d

As Backes explained, "The Impossible Task could be anything: going to the bank, refilling a prescription, making your bed, checking your email, paying a bill. From the outside, its sudden impossibility makes ZERO sense."

The Impossible Task is rarely actually difficult. It’s something you’ve done a thousand times. For this reason, it’s hard for outsiders to have sympathy. “Why don’t you just do it & get it over with?” “It would take you like 20 minutes & then it would be done.” OH, WE KNOW.

"If you're grappling with an Impossible Task, you already have these conversations happening in your brain. Plus, there's probably an even more helpful voice in your brain reminding you of what a screw up you are for not being able to do this seemingly very simple thing," Backes wrote. "Another cool thing about the Impossible Task is that it changes on you. One time it might involve calling someone, but maybe you can work around it by emailing. Another time it's an email issue. Then when you think you have it pinned down, you suddenly can't do the dishes."

"If you currently have one or more Impossible Tasks in your life, be gentle with yourself. You're not a screw up; depression is just an asshole. Impossible Tasks are usually so dumb that it's embarrassing to ask for help, but the people who love you should be glad to lend a hand," she added. "If you have a depressed person in your life, ask them what their Impossible Tasks are & figure out ways to help—without judgment. A friend once picked me up, drove me the two blocks to the pharmacy, & came in to help me refill a prescription. TWO BLOCKS. It was an amazing gift."

The one good thing about struggling with Impossible Tasks is that they help you to be gentler & more empathetic with other people in your life, because you know what it’s like. You know. The trick is to turn that gentleness & empathy toward yourself.

Ultimately, Backes encouraged her followers to take care of themselves, "even if that means cutting major corners in your life, or not being "productive," or living on Netflix & takeout for a while. It's okay. And try to let others take care of you, too, even when you don't believe you deserve it."

Remember that people want to help you because they love you, & allowing them to do something for you is its own form of kindness. Don't rob your friends of the chance to feel good by helping you do something that's impossible for you but a cinch for them!

Last thing: whenever you're tempted to beat yourself up for being "lazy," remember that you fought harder to get out of bed & get yourself dressed today than the average person could even imagine. You're not lazy. Your mountains are just that much steeper. Keep going. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/W2WaDqR0QC

There's no shame in taking care of yourself or admitting you need help. Everyone must fight their own battles in some capacity, but we must recognize that, when doing so, we're rarely ever alone. Those we love, and who love us in return, will always be there with a helping hand to hold.